I left Columbus with more questions. Like many of you I’m puzzled why Denard wasn’t used in the second half especially down the stretch. If he was hurt and out of commission he sure didn’t look it in the postgame and Hoke didn’t say as much in the postgame. While Hoke never really talks about injuries, it’s not like there’s some gamesmanship required here—the bowl game is five weeks away. And let’s say he was dinged up and couldn’t run the ball for some reason–toss him in the backfield as a decoy, no? Other than the lack of Denard down the stretch, the other frustration was how he was used in short yardage. He showed no indication that he was ever going to pass it and really didn’t throw in warm-ups. So if you aren’t going to have him throw it–at any point–then on short yardage put him in the backfield with Gardner and hand it or toss it to Denard, or fake it to #16 and have Gardner run it, or toss it to Gallon or ARGH. After the 2001 Michigan State Spartan Bob game Lloyd Carr summed up how he felt about his team, when he said, “They deserve better.” Kovacs was on the brink of tears in the postgame. The defense made huge players to keep Michigan…
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Handling Family Business – Sights & Sounds (Michigan 42, Iowa 17)
The hugs and smiles were flying and that’s how you do Senior Day. Hoke’s got the hug thing down pat, and it’s tough to beat the lead photo of Denard smiling.
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Bear Hugs Aplenty
Congrats seniors. Here is Denard and Kovacs getting wrapped up by Coach Hoke, how shows a little one handed ceremonial ball security. Here’s a look at the custom made pigskins they received. Kovacs indeed had a #11, not a 32, on his ball. Here’s how they looked FWIW: One more: here’s Denard tapping the banner for the last time, but check out Treezy with 180 of his 360 degree leap (thanks for nothing, zebras): Follow MVictors on Twitter More here from MVictors: Handling Family Business (Michigan 42, Iowa 17) Senior Day Pageantry (Photos) TWIMFbH: Platooning to Stop Davis, Blanchard (1945) Moeller and Holtz Breaking Down “The Catch”
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Dr. Sap’s Decals – Illinois
Ed. Dr. Sap is back with his decals for week 6. This week I added the Editor’s pick, the Fan and the uniform entry. Here are the picks from Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 & Week 5. Context: Back when Bo was coaching the Michigan Football team, he awarded decals for individual as well as TEAM accomplishments. He also selected Champions each week. Not only were the obvious categories (offense, defense, special teams) selected, but Bo also made it a point to recognize the not so obvious ones – Scout Team Champions and Team Hustlers – each week. Here are the picks this week: OFFENSE DENARD ROBINSON – I don’t know what else can be said about #16? Just when you think he is down, done, or hurt, Denard comes back stronger than ever! Maybe it’s the added weight/muscle? Maybe it’s the coaching staff calling plays to protect his body more? All I know is that when he came back into the game against the Illini, you could see/feel him take the team on his shoulders and WILL them to victory. That’s a sign of TRUE leader, and dare I say, true CHAMPION? DEFENSE KENNY DEMENS – The linebacker may have played his best game as a Wolverine with a key 4th down stop early in the…
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Inside Jerry World: Alabama Pregame Photos
Here are a few photos prior to the 2012 Michigan-Alabama game in Dallas:
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Monday Press Conference – MSU Week – Photos
For recap of the player and Rich Rod press conferences, check out Tim’s rundown on mgoblog. It’s Michigan State and there was clearly a media buzz in the air. About twice as many video cameras were on hand. The press conferences go like this: At just after noon, Rich Rod sits down for about 20 minutes in the back of the Junge Center and answers questions off camera. Then he moves over to the front for a cameras-on presser, usually a little shorter (because everyone’s already asked him 20 minutes of questions!). Then there’s a delay, then media relations brings in players to speak & usually 4-6 guys hit podium one after another. A few shots. Here’s Rich Rod seated at the pre-presser at his seat in "the squared circle": Obi Ezeh was very relaxed and put the defense’s troubles in perspective: Likewise with Kovacs, who had a huge game last year against State: Captain Steve Schilling scored big points with his "Offense" shirt. It reads "SCORE" on the back. Make we can get Underground to print up some "Defense" and "Don’t SCORE" shirts for Obi and crew: Denard eyed the Pizza House pizzas stacked up in the back of the room and nothing was going to stop him from getting there: Update. Speaking of Denard, check out this…
